With Baahubali’s historic run at the box office, Prabhas can finally put his feet up and bask in the glory of well-earned success, but not for long, for there’s the second part of Baahubali to tackle.
“Most of us are now planning to go on a holiday for a few days. I too have planned a short trip to Europe with my friends,” he says. So who are these friends? we ask. “Five friends from my school and college days,” says Prabhas, add-ing, “They were with me in Mumbai too. We are always together and some of them are also associated with me professionally… The short break in Europe will rejuvenate me for Baahubali 2.”
And the very busy Rajamouli (the director of the film) too is in holiday mood, says Prabhas. “All of us are jubilant. But Rajamouli only got into a celebratory mood after seeing the box office results after the weekend, on Monday. He has finally planned to relax. He, too, will be going on a long holiday abroad with his family,” he says.
Coming back to what made the film a success, Prabhas says, “The script has definitely proved to be bigger than all the actors in this film. Only if the script is great will the film work. Stars bring the script to life. They have to put in their best and work in sync with the captain of the ship (the director). And each one needs to trust one another. All in all it is team work.”
And he doesn’t shirk from giving all the credit to Rajamouli. “He made me romance in action style,” says Prabhas, adding, “It was really very difficult but when I saw the rushes I was very excited as it had been canned wonderfully — the waterfall shots etc. Also, the sceneries are wonderful. Ensuring that the larger than life characters all fell in place was a herculean task which Rajamouli did perfectly.” He also does not forget to give credit to the producers.
“While the film was being made, I would notice that the producers were very cool. In fact, I would keep thinking how they could remain so calm after investing such a huge amount. But now, I appreciate their vision and understand why they were so confident.” What about Baahubali giving Salman Khan’s Id release Bajrangi Bhaijaan a run for its money? “I am a Salman fan too,” says the actor, adding, “Baahubali has done well all over, especially in Mumbai. Appreciation is more important for us than any competition and we are more than happy. We do not believe in any competition as such.”
He has now acquired the “hot” tag pan India. How would Prabhas define hot? “Hot on celluloid is the physical appearance of an actor. This is how the audiences look at their heroes now. For me, whatever I do on screen is my work. And if the fans look at it as ‘hot’, I need to accept it,” he says.
About Baahubali 2, he says, “Both Rana and Anushka will have more meatier roles in Part 2. It is all part of the script; the script is above all actors. In totality, we have to give more than 300 days to Part 2 as well.”
“My mother was very happy with Part 1, but like all other mothers, she has asked me to be careful while shooting Baahubali Part 2 and not be involved for so many days. However, shooting is halfway through.”
And he can’t plan beyond Baahubali Part 2. “The schedules are very long. Forget Mumbai, I don’t think I can even think of doing any film down South too. Also, I never plan my future. I only decide according to the present situation,” Prabhas says.
